It could be intimidating but Cuthbert – a premiership winner with East Wagga-Kooringal who has NEAFL experience with GWS Giants – is looking forward to testing himself.

“Definitely, ’cause I suppose that’s where I want to get to as a footballer,” he said.

“They’re known as some of the best footballers around here so playing against them teaches you a lot if you follow them around and learn a few running patterns and what-not.

“What I’ve heard of them, they’re very tough and like to tackle. I think it’s a tough style of game to play for four quarters of footy for them so if we can hold on and just keep getting it on the outside it should work out for us.”

With captain Ben Absolum (EWK) and North Wagga star Lachie Highfield he has the responsibility of trying to get the underdogs on top in the middle and going forward.

Cuthbert ready to take on Riverina’s best

Jayden Klemke

Bryce O'Garey

Shaun Campbell

Ben Absolum

Lachie Highfield

Luke Cuthbert

Bryce O'Garey was best-on-ground in Leeton-Whitton's premiership success last year.